We’ve all studied the fashion magazines or searched the Internet for the latest skincare tips. But don’t be fooled by bad advice, no matter how entertaining it sounded at the time. Listen up and take note of six things NOT to do if you want to look your best.

1. “It’s OK to squeeze certain kinds of pimples.” This tip may venture into ick territory, but we all know we’ve done it. You see a zit that looks ripe and ready to release its disgusting contents, so, you go for it. And the odds are that your heroic efforts lead only to tragic results – an infected, broken patch of skin that will now take even longer to heal and will probably leave a scar in its wake. Don’t pop pimples. Ever.
2. “You need a base tan to prevent getting sunburned.” Sun damage is sun damage, no matter what color it comes in, according to the skincare and beauty researchers at Adore Cosmetics. Tanning is no better for your skin than burning, even though it may not hurt as much (or look as awful). Wear sunscreen, find a hat you love (and wear it), seek out shade, and swear off the tanning bed. Please.
3. “Coconut oil won’t cause breakouts.” It’s sad, but true. Coconut oil may smell delicious and feel delightful on your skin, but it is a comedogenic substance – meaning, it can clog your pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Try something labeled noncomedogenic to be on the safe side, and use the coconut oil in a stirfry or a smoothie.
4. “Higher SPF is safer.” Nope. The fact is, sunscreen of any SPF level is meant to be applied every 2 hours to be effective. And you probably aren’t using enough anyway. The recommended amount of sunscreen for a bathing suit situation is one ounce – that’s a shotglass-full. So slather it on fully and frequently, no matter the number on tube.
5. “Using moisturizer will make acne worse.” If you are already prone to pimples, dry skin will only result in more acne, not less. Cleansing with a gentle cleanser, followed by moisturizing with a noncomedogenic lotion (one that won’t clog your pores) will improve the health of your skin and restore its natural ability to prevent acne.
6. “Toners are a waste of money.” Alcohol is irritating to and can burn and dry your skin. Unfortunately, many toners contain high concentrations of alcohol. Choose a toner that is free of alcohol, however, and you’ll be doing your skin a favor. Adding extra hydration, particularly just before moisturizing, will go a long way toward improving your skin’s health and appearance.